It’s too early to say there’s a new sheriff in town, but a new horsemen’s group has been launched to go head to head against the embattled Thoroughbred Owners of California.

The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association announced its formation this week, and if its demands are not met it plans to seek a decertification of the TOC in the near future.

The CTHA contends the interests of the horsemen have not been properly represented and the TOC has made nine decisions that have contributed to that neglect, including:

Failure to disclose receipt of more than $1 million from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Refused an opportunity to secure concessions from the Indians when the Indians were seeking renewal of their compacts.

Spent in excess of $1 million (of horsemen’s money) in an effort to fund a group seeking to purchase Santa Anita.

Held all meetings behind closed doors.

Disenfranchised horsemen who are owners and trainers.

Condoned and encouraged wagers that result in handle declines.

A lack of support for Northern California racing.

Vetoed contractual opportunities with Australia.

Failed to respond to the horseplayers’ boycott.

Said Roger Licht, one of the original principals of the CTHA: “Surprisingly, they (TOC) haven’t countered any of the nine points that were in our press release, which means to me they (acknowledge) the veracity of them.”

The nine other founders of the CTHA include J.F. Ernenwein, Gloria Haley, Mike Harrington, Aase Headley, Henry Moreno, John Sadler, George Schmitt, Cory Wellman and David Wilson.

According to Licht, the CTHA’s goal is to unify the horsemen into “one powerful, cohesive, transparent and pro-active unit” that includes an equal number of owners and owners/trainers on its board.

“The industry is in a state that it needs immediate attention,” said Licht, a horse owner and former member of the California Horse Racing Board. “I think the current TOC board has not provided the type of attention that is required.

“I don’t doubt their dedication or their sincerity in trying to do the right thing. I have no issue with that. It’s just that the results have been abysmal.”

Hard to argue with that, considering the TOC has done nothing to improve the sport in recent years. As the industry spirals downward, the TOC’s biggest contribution was an increase in the takeout of exotic bets that has proved to be a disaster and led to a players’ boycott that has hamstrung Santa Anita during its 2010-11 meeting.

Santa Anita’s all-sources handle this season could show a decline of more than $100 million from last year, partly because of the players’ boycott the TOC has not addressed.

“I think the players’ boycott has had a major role (on handle), and I think what’s most disturbing is the TOC hasn’t made any statement or responded in any way,” Licht said. “Maybe they should say we support the players, we don’t support the players, anything. But sticking your head in the sand is not the appropriate response.

“I think the game has long passed the old adage of if you don’t like it, don’t come. We can’t use that old theory any more.”

Licht wants to see the TOC hold an election of its more than 9,000 members that asks one simple question – do they want half of their directors to be owners/trainers?

“If that group says no, we like the way the board is composed now with only three owners/trainers, then as far as I’m concerned it’s done,” Licht said. “That’s what really the catalyst is for my involvement. I can’t understand why they refuse the request. It seems like such a minimal request.

“If I’m wrong, and if the members of the TOC like the status quo, then I’ll be content to go away.”

The TOC did not reply to e-mails seeking comment.

Licht said he’s fearful the CTHA will be pushed to aim for decertification of the TOC because the current owners’ group has failed to budge when asked to hold an election.

“I can tell you this. We are well-funded, well-organized and well-staffed, and if we have to move for decertification I believe very strongly that we’ll prevail. I’m hoping we don’t have to do that.”

The CTHA currently has no active members because the group must seek permission from the CHRB before seeking solicitation. Licht said the request most likely will come within the next 30 days.

Meanwhile, he said there are many prominent owners prepared to come out in support of the CTHA.

“We have tremendous support and we’re waiting to announce all that,” he said. “We’re in the process of putting together a website, and when that website is up it will show some major, major owners and also trainers.”

Hopefully, this new group will give the TOC the kick in the rear it’s sorely needed for a while now.